Marie Curie mascot Daffy joined hundreds of walkers who trekked around Hampstead Heath to raise cash for a cancer hospice last weekend.

More than 200 people strapped on their walking boots for the annual Hampstead Hug in aid of Marie Curie Hospice Hampstead in Lyndhurst Gardens.

The three or six-mile sponsored walk is into its fourth year and has so far raised £73,000 towards the hospice’s £5.4million annual running costs.

Ellie Parkins, who volunteers at the hospice and took part with her family, said: “The hug was such a happy day for everyone! It brought everyone together to raise valuable funds so the hospice can continue to provide such vital care.”

The event was backed by actress Linda Robson, whose mother Rita Robson spent five months in the hospice before she died last August, aged 75.

“I can never thank them enough for the way they looked after my mum,” Ms Robson said in May.

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